Non-Traditional

We Care


You get up every morning. You go to work. You stop for groceries on the way home. You volunteer at the local shelter. You follow the laws. You donate to charities. You contribute to society. You pay your taxes. You pledge your allegiance. You always vote. And still, you face adverse laws and discrimination. The struggle for civil rights goes on.

Civil rights organizations have cited 1,049 federal laws, benefits, programs, rules and regulations that apply to spouses in a marriage. The lack of marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples results in hundreds of legal and financial inequities. Since the laws have been written specifically for married couples, lesbian, gay, and unmarried couples need to implement specific strategies to preserve their assets and protect their loved ones. We can help.

Things to Consider


Non-traditional couples and families face unique challenges. IRS regulations, inheritance laws, asset transfer rules, even things that should be clear, like who can be a legal parent, all combine to make the lives of non-traditional couples and families more complicated. Despite the unfairness of a legal and social system that won't recognize relationships based on love, there is good news. There are specific strategies to plan for, and around, the special legal and financial issues facing gay and lesbian couples and families as well as unmarried couples.

Unfortunately, many of the financial planning needs of lesbian, gay, and unmarried couples go unserved. Don't wait until it's too late. Take a moment to think about your relationship and your financial situation. Ask yourself the following questions:

·My partner and I jointly own assets. Should we have a partnership agreement and a buy-sell agreement?

·How do Medicaid rules affect jointly held assets of gay, lesbian and unmarried couples?

·I don't have a will. How important is that if I am in a committed relationship?

·How can I pass my property and assets to my partner and minimize taxes when I die?

·Should my partner and I both list our names as owners on the title of a jointly owned car?

·What is joint tenancy with rights of survivorship and why is it important?

·Since lesbian, gay, and unmarried couples do not qualify for the unlimited marital deduction, how can we plan around that?

·Are there tax consequences if I add my partner's name to the deed on my house?

·I have a pension but my partner doesn't. If I die, my pension dies with me. Is there a way to make sure my partner has a retirement income when I die?

·I own the house. Is there a way to insure both of us so that if one dies, the house is paid for?

·I was legally married once. I currently receive retirement benefits from my former spouse's pension. If I enter into a civil union with my new partner, will I still be entitled to receive the retirement benefit?

If you are unsure of the answers to these questions or you would like more information, it's time to meet with a certified financial planner.

The Bottom Line


If you are in a relationship that is not legally recognized, you need to meet with a certified financial planner to preserve your assets and protect your loved ones. Sandra Reynolds, CFP is a co-founder of PridePlanners LLP whose sole mission is to educate financial professionals about the financial issues concerning the gay and lesbian community. It's our specialty. We can help. Our mission is your peace of mind.

How Do I Get Started?


You can start by calling Sandra Reynolds, CFP at 508-636-6521 or by e-mailing us to schedule a free, no obligation meeting where we can sit together and discuss your financial concerns. To e-mail, just click on "Contact Us" here on the web site, fill in the necessary information, and submit it to us. We look forward to hearing from you.